Methods of forming a base plate for a field emission display (FED) device, methods of forming a field emission display (FED) device, base plates for field emission display (FED) devices, and field emission display (FED) devices

Abstract

Methods of forming base plates for field emission display (FED) devices, methods of forming field emission display (FED) devices, and resultant FED base plate and device constructions are described. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided and is configurable into a base plate for a field emission display. A plurality of discrete, segmented regions of field emitter tips are formed by at least removing portions of the substrate. The regions are electrically isolated into separately-addressable regions. In another embodiment, a plurality of field emitters are formed from material of the substrate and arranged into more than one demarcated, independently-addressable region of emitters. Address circuitry is provided and is operably coupled with the field emitters and configured to independently address individual regions of the emitters. In yet another embodiment, a monolithic addressable matrix of rows and columns of field emitters is provided and has a perimetral edge defining length and width dimensions of the matrix. The matrix is partitioned into a plurality of discretely-addressable sub-matrices of field emitters. Row and column address lines are provided and are operably coupled with the matrix and collectively configured to address the field emitters. At least one of the row or column address lines has a length within the matrix which is sufficient to address less than all of the field emitters which lie in the direction along which the address line extends within the matrix.

Description

PATENT RIGHTS STATEMENT [0001] This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DABT63-97-C-0001 awarded by Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). The Government has certain rights in this invention.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to methods of forming a base plate for a field emission display (FED) device, to methods of forming a field emission display (FED) device, to base plates for field emission display (FED) devices, and to field emission display (FED) devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Flat-panel displays are widely used to visually display information. where the physical thickness and bulk of a conventional cathode ray tube is unacceptable or impractical. Portable electronic devices and systems have benefitted from the use of flat-panel displays, which require less space and result in a lighter, more compact display system than provided by conventional cathode ray tube technology. [0004] The invention described below is concerned p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Flat-panel displays are widely used to visually display information. where the physical thickness and bulk of a conventional cathode ray tube is unacceptable or impractical.

As displays such as the one described above continue to grow in size and complexity, challenges are posed with respect to their design.

As such displays grow in size, such resolution is desired to be maintained or even improved, yet challenges exist because of the increased dimensions.

One such challenge is manifest in the video rate requirement in larger-area displays.

Such greater lengths, accordingly, carry with them higher RC time constants which adversely impact the video rate requirement.

Other challenges in the design of the larger-area display will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

This approach, however, can be inadequate and can result in much more processing complexity than is desirable.

Needless to say, this can be a time-consuming process and results in more processing complexity than is desirable.

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